You already tried by blowing off Tyrod Talyor because of his Sophomore stats... Bama looses three offensive linemen, a solid QB, and their leading rusher. Say what you will about the defense (also loosing two key players) but without a pounding offense controlling the ball, Bama will not be as good. Not saying VT will win, just saying it will not be anything close to a blowout.
Key players VT lost:
OFFENSE: Sean Glennon-QB, Devin Perez-FB, Nick Marshman-OG, Ryan Shuman-C, Dustin Keys-K
DEFENSE: Orion Martin-DE, Brett Warren-ILB, Purnell Sturdivant-ILB, Victor Harris-CB
Key Players UA lost:
Offense: Andre Smith - OT, Marlon Davis - OG, John Parker Wilson - QB, Glen Coffee - RB, Antoine Caldwell - C
Defense: Bobby Greenwood - DE, Rashad Johnons - FS
How does VT have an advantage there? They lost as many or more players than Bama.
Yes, I agree, the offensive line is an area of concern. We lost 3 good players. However, we have talent replacing them. The first team O-line held up fairly well in the spring game against the first team D-line which is arguably one of the top five in the nation.
Our, starting QB, McElroy, is a junior and very mature. He has a good arm and is very accurate. I'm sure there will be some growing pains, but I'll take him over Tyrod Taylor behind center any day.
IF Alabama doesn't have a "pounding offense" (and I think they will) Saban and McElwain have been around long enough to know what to do - throw the ball more. Last year our biggest weakness was pass protection. Our new offensive line is reportedly better in that area, although probably not yet as good in the run blocking of last year. I'm sure you don't know much about our recieving corp, but it's a lot deeper than Julio Jones. We have some very good players who didn't get the ball much last year due to injuries, or the QB locking onto JJ, or whatever. Also some of them were young.
I'm not trying to make Alabama out to be the greatest team ever, but I do think they're going to be very good. And I think VT is just another "good" ACC team that is overrated going into the season.